JP5961775B2 - Collimation for distant focus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to the collimation of X-ray radiation. Specifically, it relates to an X-ray light source device for medical imaging and a medical X-ray imaging system including such a device.

  In medical x-ray imaging, the generated x-ray beam can be collimated to fit, for example, the size of the detector. This may be because of the requirement to ensure that all radiation that the patient is exposed to is emitted towards the detector so that it is detected with the respective attenuation provided by the patient. In addition to limiting the actual size of the emitted beam, a wedge element may also be provided as an attenuation filter in the x-ray beam. For example, US Patent Application No. 2010 / 0308229A1 describes the provision of a wedge shaped attenuation filter that is adjustably positioned in a cone beam. This is for selectively attenuating the beam in order to improve the image quality. However, for example, in a case where two focal points are arranged apart from each other, for example, when a fixed shutter is provided, it has been shown that the field of view is limited by blocking a part of another image. It was.

  Thus, with the improved use of the provided radiation beam, there is a need for proper X-ray collimation for focal points located away from each other.

  The object of the present invention is solved by the technical matters according to the independent claims. Further embodiments are hereby included in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the aspects of the invention described below apply to an X-ray light source device for medical imaging as well as a medical X-ray imaging system.

  In accordance with the present invention, an x-ray light source device for medical imaging is provided. The apparatus includes an X-ray light source and an X-ray beam shutter device. The x-ray light source is configured to generate x-ray radiation at a first focal position and a second focal position that are located at a distance from each other at least in a direction transverse to the main radiation direction. The X-ray beam shutter device is for at least a first pair of shutters defining a first diaphragm for a first X-ray beam generated at least at a first focal position, and for a second X-ray beam generated at least at a second focal position. Includes a second pair of shutters defining a second aperture. The first diaphragm and the second diaphragm partially overlap.

  The first pair of shutters and the second pair of shutters each include an outer shutter element to limit the outer diaphragm disposed on the opposite side of the overlapping portion of the diaphragm. The outer shutter element includes a solid / opaque structure in the radial direction. The first pair of shutters and the second pair of shutters further include first and second inner shutter elements, respectively, to limit the inner aperture disposed in at least partially overlapping portions. . The first inner shutter element and the second inner shutter element each include a focal grid structure. The grid structure of the first inner shutter element includes a plurality of first X-ray paths that are focused on the second focal position, and the grid structure of the second inner shutter element is a plurality that is focused on the first focal position. The second X-ray passage.

  Advantageously, the device according to the invention provides collimation optimized for each of the first and second focus positions. Thus, an optimized use of the generated X-ray beam is ensured.

  In addition, although the shutter elements are arranged in the diaphragm, i.e. at the so-called aperture, each shutter element limits the beam size for x-ray radiation originating only from a single x-ray focal position. Acts as an element. Radiation emanating from other x-ray focal positions can pass through the shutter element thanks to the x-ray path alignment provided in the grid structure.

  The X-ray path through the shutter element is such that only a minimum amount of X-ray radiation is attenuated and absorbed by the grid structure, and most of the X-ray radiation can pass through each shutter element. . The boundary portion of the X-ray path provided by the grid structure, ie the so-called side walls of the path, operates as an absorption structure. Alternatively, the X-ray non-transmission structure is the case with respect to the X-ray radiation from the oblique direction with respect to the X-ray passing direction, particularly X-ray radiation from each of the other focal positions.

  The term “pair of shutters” refers to, for example, first and second shutters. In another embodiment, the term “pair” also relates to three, four, five, six, or more shutters defining each aperture. Note in particular that each shutter may have a different profile. For example, as a straight boundary line or a curved boundary line, or as a boundary line having several line segments.

  X-ray beam shutters are also referred to as collimation equipment or collimation that provides a stop for X-ray radiation.

  The direction in which the focal position is replaced is provided across the direction between the cathode and anode.

  In another embodiment, the direction, the one whose focal position is replaced, crosses the projection direction of the X-ray radiation. For example, the direction is referred to as the x direction. In one embodiment, in the case of a rotating anode, the displacement direction is parallel to the direction in which the anode is rotating. That is, it is parallel to the tangent to the circular rotation plane. The displacement direction can be provided across the axis of rotation, for example vertically.

  The x-ray light source can be a rotating anode having a target structure that provides at least two focal positions. In a further embodiment, the x-ray light source includes two separate anode or target structures for providing at least two focal positions. In a further embodiment, a plurality of X-ray light sources, eg, X-ray nanotubes, are provided, each having a number of nanotubes for a first focal position and a respective number of further nanotubes for the first focal position. Form.

  The first and second stops at least partially overlap in the x direction.

  In one embodiment, two focal positions are provided for stereo X-ray imaging. In another embodiment, two focal positions are provided for dual energy x-ray imaging.

  The term “focused” relates to focusing, ie radial alignment, for each focal position. Correct focus is in one embodiment at a predetermined distance.

  In another embodiment, the focal position is adjustable or variable. In such a case, at least one inner shutter element is adjustable or movable. For example, the element is movable in a radial direction parallel to the main X-ray radiation direction. For example, the element may alternatively or additionally be movable or adjustable in radiation across the main x-ray radiation direction. In another embodiment, the inner shutter element is movable in a direction similar to that provided by the movable focus position.

  In another embodiment, the x-ray path is provided by a lamella-like element. The path can be adjusted in focus alignment to compensate for changes in focus position.

  In one embodiment, a shutter element alignment mechanism is provided.

  According to one embodiment, the first inner shutter element is at least partially disposed in the X-ray beam at the second focal position, and the shutter element is X-ray transparent to radiation from the second focal position. It is sex. The second inner shutter element is at least partially disposed in the X-ray beam at the first focal position, and the shutter element is X-ray transparent to radiation from the first focal position.

  The term “X-ray transmissive” refers to a grid structure with a path for X-ray radiation in the receiving direction. “X-ray transparency” refers to the degree of X-ray passage in a non-attenuating manner. At least about 50%, such as 70%, such as 90%, such as 95%, or more.

  According to one embodiment, the first inner shutter element is movable on a first circular track about a second focal position, and the second inner shutter element is a second circular shape about the first focal position. It can move on the track.

  In one embodiment, a control unit is provided to control the movement of the shutter element by the actuator device.

  According to one embodiment, the inner and outer shutter elements are provided with a center in one of the focal positions and with a cross section of the ring segment. Wherein (i) the first outer shutter element and the second inner shutter element are provided concentrically with respect to the first focal position, and (ii) the first inner shutter element and the second outer shutter element are second The focal position 22 is provided on a concentric circle.

  According to one embodiment, the first and second focal positions are provided as two stationary positions that are switched alternately every frame for X-ray imaging. The first and second inner shutter elements remain temporarily fixed during X-ray imaging.

  In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a medical x-ray imaging system is provided. The system includes an X-ray generator, an X-ray light source device according to one of the above embodiments, an X-ray detector, and an object receiving device. The object receiving device can be positioned between the X-ray light source device and the X-ray detector.

  The X-ray detector may be a detector arranged to detect radiation from the first focal position and radiation from the second focal position after radiation of the object of interest, eg a patient. In one embodiment, radiation from the first focal position is detected on the detector portion as radiation from the second focal position. In one embodiment, the focal position is moved with respect to the object receiving device.

  Advantageously, in the light source device, the first pair of shutters is configured to align with a first line of sight between the first focus position and the center of the detector. The second pair of shutters is configured to align with a second line of sight between the second focal position and the center of the detector. In the context of the present invention, “alignment” between a pair of shutters and a line of sight means that the center or center of the aperture in the aperture defined by the shutter is aligned with the line of sight. It is understood. In the case of a non-static focus position, this means that re-positioning of the shutter may be required during operation so that such alignment is maintained.

  Alignment is provided in at least one alignment direction. In a further embodiment, two alignment directions are provided across.

  According to one embodiment, the first and second pairs of shutters each include an outer shutter element to limit the outer aperture disposed opposite the overlapping portion of the aperture. Yes. Then, the first and second pairs of shutters each include an inner shutter element to limit the inner aperture disposed in at least partially overlapping portions. The outer shutter element is fixed in an adjustable manner for X-ray imaging. The inner shutter element is movable and is configured to temporarily align and align with a first line of sight between the first focus position and the center of the detector, and the second focus position and detection. It is comprised so that it may align temporarily and correspond to the 2nd visual line between the centers of the vessels. The first and second focus positions can be used alternately for x-ray emission during x-ray imaging. The first and second inner shutter elements are alternately alignable during x-ray imaging. Here, each of the other second or first shutter elements is movable outside the X-ray radiation. A control unit is provided for controlling the alignment of the first and second inner shutter elements by means of the actuator device.

  Thus, according to the present invention, an x-ray beam may be provided from two different focal positions, and the beam limiting arrangement provides an aperture, also referred to as aperture, for the first focal position, and It provides an aperture / aperture for the second focal position. The two openings / calibers overlap. Nevertheless, the provided shutter element ensures that the beam size limitation, ie X-ray beam collimation, is properly aligned with respect to each of the first and twenty-first focal positions. For example, the shutter element can be provided in a stationary position. For example, by providing an X-ray transparent structure aligned with each of the other focal positions that is X-ray opaque for each focal position. In a further embodiment, the shutter element is dynamically moved so that the aperture opening is aligned with each x-ray focus.

  These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described hereinafter with reference to the following drawings.
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one embodiment of medical X-ray imaging in a perspective view setting. FIG. 2 schematically shows one embodiment of the X-ray light source device in a sectional view. FIG. 3 shows a further aspect of the X-ray light source device. FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the X-ray light source device. FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of an X-ray light source device with a movable shutter element. FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of the X-ray image acquisition method.

  FIG. 1 shows an X-ray imaging system 100 with an X-ray generator 102 and an X-ray detector 104. As an example, the X-ray generator 102, or X-ray light source, and the X-ray detector 104, or X-ray detector, are disposed at opposite ends of the C-arm structure 106. The C-arm structure is movably attached to the movable ceiling support device 110 attached to the ceiling 112 by a ceiling suspension 108. In addition, an object receiving device 114 is provided, in which the object receiving device 114 is disposed between the X-ray generator 102 and the X-ray detector 104. For example, the object receiving device 114 is a patient table for receiving a patient. Object 116 is shown by a circular structure.

  Furthermore, further devices are shown in the vicinity of the above devices. For example, the control interface 118 for controlling the X-ray imaging system 100 or the display device 120, and the illumination device 122 is the same. In addition, a control station 124 is shown in the foreground.

  Although a stationary C-arm system is shown in FIG. 1, it is clearly noted that other medical x-ray imaging systems are also provided according to the present invention, even if not shown in greater detail. . For example, a movable C-arm system or a CT system with a gantry and rotating X-ray source / X-ray detector calibration. Furthermore, a fixed X-ray imaging system may also be provided, as will a partially fixed X-ray imaging system. Only the detector is adjustable and the x-ray source is such as a stationary system. In addition, different types of medical x-ray imaging systems for patient devices are also provided. For example, as shown, the device on which the patient lies during imaging, or the patient is in a standing position. For example, for lung / chest imaging, or for mammography x-ray imaging, and others.

  Generally, the X-ray generator is provided as an X-ray light source device 10 according to one of the embodiments described below.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows one embodiment of an X-ray light source device 10 for medical imaging in a cross-sectional view. The X-ray light source device 10 includes an X-ray light source 12 and an X-ray beam shutter device 14. Furthermore, a detector 16 is shown, although not necessarily a component of the X-ray light source device.

  The X-ray light source 12 is configured to generate X-ray radiation 18 at least at the first focal position 20 and the second focal position 22. The first and second focal positions 20, 22 are placed at a distance from each other in the direction D across the main radiation direction R. Direction D is shown using double arrows and direction R is shown using single arrows. The first pair of outer lines 24 a, 24 b shows the X-ray radiation generated at the first focal position 20. The second pair of outer lines 26 a, 26 b shows the X-ray radiation generated at the second focal position 22.

  The x-ray beam shutter device 14 includes a first pair 28 of at least one shutter. Reference numerals 28a and 28b are used to define a first diaphragm 30 and are indicated by double arrows. For the first X-ray beam generated at the first focal position. The first pair of beam boundary lines 32 a and 32 b indicates an X-ray beam that passes through the first diaphragm 30.

  In addition, a second pair 34 of at least one shutter is provided. Reference numerals 34a and 34b are used to define a second stop 36 for the second X-ray beam generated at the second focal position. The second pair of beam boundary lines 38 a and 38 b shows the respective X-ray beams that pass through the second aperture 36.

  The first pair of shutters 28 is configured to align with a first line-of-sight 39 between the first focal position 20 and the center of the detector. The detector is, for example, the detection panel 40. The second pair of shutters 34 is configured to align with a second line of sight 42 between the second focal position 22 and the center of the detector.

  As can be seen, the first and second stops 30, 36 partially overlap with respect to the X-ray emission direction R.

  The dotted line structure 44 shows an object disposed between the X-ray light source 12 and the X-ray detector 16 for medical imaging. The object may be a patient, for example.

  FIG. 3 shows a further aspect of the X-ray light source device 10. In particular, it is a focal grid. In the figure, a stationary focus is shown. However, the focus may also be provided as a movable focus (as described further below).

  The first and second pairs of shutters 28, 34 each include an outer shutter element. This is to limit the outer diaphragm disposed opposite to the overlapping part of the diaphragm. The outer shutter element is indicated with an index “o”. That is, reference symbols 28o and 34o are used for the first outer shutter element and the second outer shutter element, respectively. The outer shutter elements 28o, 34o include a solid structure in the X-ray radiation direction.

  Note that FIG. 2 shows the first pair of shutters 28 using reference symbols 28a and 28b and the second pair 34 of shutters using reference symbols 34a and 34b. In one embodiment, shutter element 28a is referred to as the first outer shutter element. For example, the first outer shutter element 28o. The shutter element 28b is referred to as the first inner shutter element 28i. The shutter element 34a is referred to as a second outer shutter element. Such as the second outer shutter element 34o. The shutter element 34b is referred to as the second inner shutter element 34i.

  The order of the first and second shutters in the radial direction is also provided in one embodiment in an inverted manner.

  The first and second pairs of shutters 28, 34 include first and second inner shutter elements, respectively. It is intended to limit the inner aperture located at least partially in the overlap portion. The inner shutter element is indicated with an index “i”. That is, the first inner shutter element is indicated with reference symbol 28i and the second inner shutter element is indicated with reference symbol 34i. The first inner shutter element 28 i and the second inner shutter element 34 i each include a focal grid structure 44. The grid structure of the first inner shutter element 28 i includes a plurality of first X-ray passages 46 focused on the second focal position 22. The grid structure of the second inner shutter element 34 i includes a plurality of second X-ray passages 48 focused on the first focal position 20.

  In FIG. 3, a first pair 50 of dotted lines indicates a first X-ray beam, and a second pair 52 of dotted lines indicates a second X-ray beam. The first X-ray beam passes through the first stop 30, and the second X-ray beam passes through the second stop 36. All X-ray radiation (beams) generated from the first and second focal positions 20, 22 respectively are further shown in FIG. 3 for the sake of simplicity, as shown in FIG. Note that there is no.

  As described above, the first inner shutter element 28 i is at least partially disposed in the X-ray beam 52 from the second focal position 22. The first inner shutter element 28 i is X-ray transparent to radiation from the second focal position 22 and simultaneously blocks X-rays from radiation from the first focal position 20. This is to provide a beam limiting or beam size collimating effect.

  The second inner shutter element 34 i is at least partially disposed in the X-ray beam 50 from the first focal position 20. The second inner shutter element 34 i is X-ray transparent to radiation from the first focal position 20 and is X-ray opaque or X-ray limiting to X-ray radiation from the second focal position 22. It is. This is to provide the above collimating effect.

  It should be noted in FIG. 3 that a first pair of shutters 28 is provided in the first plane and a second pair 34 of shutters is provided in the second plane. However, in a further embodiment, the outer shutter elements, i.e. the first outer shutter element 28o and the second outer shutter element 34o, are provided in a common outer shutter element plane. Inner shutter elements, i.e. first inner shutter element 28i and second inner shutter element 34i, are provided in a common inner shutter element plane (not shown in more detail).

  FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the X-ray light source device 10. The first inner shutter element 28 i is movable on the first circular track about the second focal position 22 as indicated by the first double arrow 54. The second inner shutter element 34 i is movable on the second circular track about the first focal position 20 as indicated by the second double arrow 56.

  For example, a control unit 58 can be provided to control the movement of the shutter element by the first and second actuator devices 60, 62, respectively.

  According to a further embodiment, and as shown in combination with the above embodiment, the first outer shutter element 28o is also movable on the first outer circular track, as indicated by the first outer double arrow 64. It is. The second outer shutter element 34 o is also movable on the second outer circular track, as indicated by the second outer double arrow 66. However, it should be noted that the movement of the outer shutter element and the movement of the inner shutter element are provided as separate options. Although two options are shown in FIG. 4, it is clearly noted that the two options are also provided independently of each other. In other words, as an additional function, each option can be selected separately without any other options.

  The first pair of lines shows the first X-ray beam 68 generated at the first focal position 20, and the second pair of lines is the second X-ray beam generated at the second focal position 22. 70 is shown.

  For example, the inner shutter elements 28i, 34i are adjusted for the image acquisition procedure. On the other hand, during the X-ray image acquisition procedure, they remain fixed in the adjusted position.

  In another embodiment, the inner shutter elements 28i, 34i are adjusted during the image acquisition procedure. For example, they are moved on the circular tracks 54, 56 so that all X-ray beams pass through the lamella structure of the respective inner shutter element.

  In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the x-ray beam passes only partially through the lamellar structure and the different attenuation provided in this way is compensated by image processing in the image processor. (Not shown).

  Furthermore, it is noted that FIG. 4 shows a shutter element, ie an inner shutter element and an outer shutter element with a ring-segment cross section. This will be further described below.

  In addition, however, each shutter element is provided in a rectangular structure. When the shutter element, particularly the inner shutter element with the first and second x-ray passages 46, 48, moves, the movement is aligned to match the respective focus for the respective first and second focal positions 20, 22. To be. However, the lamellar structure can be arranged in shutter elements with different cross sections. Of course, the outer shutter elements 28o, 34o are also provided with different cross sections and can also be moved along tracks other than circular tracks.

  According to a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the inner and outer shutter elements 28i, 34i and 28o, 34o are centered at one of the focal positions and are provided with a cross section of the ring segment. The first outer shutter element 28 o and the second inner shutter element 34 i are provided concentrically with respect to the first focal position 20. The first inner shutter element 28 i and the second outer shutter element 34 o are provided concentrically with respect to the second focal position 22.

  The circular shape of the focal grid provides the advantage that the amount of X-rays absorbed by the structure is uniform over the majority of the emitted beam. And thus, spans the majority of the detector portion covered by the collimated x-ray beam, or in one embodiment, the detector portion covered by the collimated x-ray beam. It covers the entire surface.

  In another embodiment, the focus is not completely covered by the inner shutter. That is, the inner shutter element with the X-ray path is only partially arranged in the X-ray beam from the focal point. Thus, a part of the detector can be emitted directly from the focal point without an intermediate inner shutter.

  It should be noted that each of these concentric structures has been described above in combination with the movable circular track in FIG. However, a cross-sectional structure of the ring segment can also be provided without the possibility of moving the shutter element on a circular track.

  In a further embodiment, the inner shutter elements 28i, 34i are provided with a ring segment cross section and the outer shutter elements 28o, 34o are provided with different cross sections. For example, a linear or rectangular cross section or other shape.

  According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the first and second focal positions 20, 22 are provided as two stationary positions that are switched alternately every frame for X-ray imaging. The The first and second inner shutter elements 28i, 34i remain temporarily fixed during X-ray imaging.

  In a further embodiment, the first and second focal positions 20, 22 are provided as movable positions (not shown further in FIG. 4). The first and second inner shutter elements 28i, 34i can be adjusted to compensate for focal position changes. For example, when the second focal position 22 in FIG. 4 moves upward toward the first focal position 20, the first shutter element 28i is also moved or its position adjusted accordingly. I will have to. This is because the grid structure of the X-ray path coincides with the moved second focal position 22, that is, is aligned.

  FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the X-ray light source device 10. For example, for a slowly moving focus or a stationary focus position. The first and second pairs of shutters, indicated by reference numerals 28 'and 34', include a first outer shutter element and a second outer shutter element, respectively. The first outer shutter element is indicated with reference numeral 28o 'and the second outer shutter element is indicated with reference numeral 34o'. Each of the first and second outer shutter elements is provided to limit an outer aperture disposed on the opposite side of the overlapping portion of the aperture. The first and second pairs of shutters 28 ', 34' further include first and second inner shutter elements, respectively. Reference numerals 28i 'and 34i' are used to indicate them.

  The first and second inner shutter elements 28i ', 34i' are provided to limit the inner diaphragm disposed in the at least partially overlapping portion.

  It should be noted in FIG. 5 that a first pair of shutters 28 'is provided in the first plane and a second pair of shutters 34' is provided in the second plane. However, in a further embodiment, the outer shutter elements, i.e. the first outer shutter element 28o 'and the second outer shutter element 34o', are provided in a common outer shutter element plane. The inner shutter elements, ie the first inner shutter element 28i 'and the second inner shutter element 34i', are provided in a common inner shutter element plane (not shown in more detail).

  In FIG. 4, the inner shutter element is provided on the first curved surface and the outer shutter element is provided on the second curved surface. However, in a further embodiment, the first shutter element is provided on a first common curved surface and the second shutter element is provided on a second common curved surface (not shown further).

  According to one embodiment, the outer shutter element is fixed in an adjustable manner for X-ray imaging. Note that this is not further illustrated in FIG.

  According to a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the inner shutter elements 28 i ′, 34 i ′ are movable and temporarily in a first line of sight between the first focal position 20 and the center of the detector 16. Are configured to coincide with each other and align with a second line of sight between the second focal point position 22 and the center of the detector 16.

  The movability and adjustability of the first inner shutter element 28i ′ is indicated with a first double arrow 72, and the movability / adjustability of the second inner shutter element 34i ′ is A second double arrow 74 is shown.

  The first and second focal positions 20, 22 can be used alternately for X-ray emission during X-ray imaging. The first and second inner shutter elements 28i ', 34i' can be alternately aligned during X-ray imaging. Further, a control unit 76 may be provided to control the alignment of the first and second inner shutter elements 28i ', 34i' by the actuator device 79 (not shown in more detail).

  For example, FIG. 5 shows a situation where X-ray radiation is generated from a first focal position, providing a first X-ray beam 80. In this situation, the second inner shutter element 34 i ′ is moved out of the X-ray beam 80. As indicated by the dotted line, the second inner element 34 i ′ is moved to the second position, as indicated by the dotted structure 84, to generate the second X-ray beam 82 for the second focal position 22. Then, as indicated by the dotted position mark 86, the first inner shutter element 28i 'is also moved. That is, outside the second X-ray beam 82.

  According to one embodiment, the first and second focal positions 20, 22 are provided as movable positions during X-ray image acquisition (not shown further in FIG. 4). The first and second inner shutter elements 28i, 34i are aligned during x-ray imaging.

  According to a further embodiment, the first and second inner shutter elements 28i, 34i are aligned in a combined manner.

FIG. 6 shows the basic steps of a method 200 for X-ray image acquisition, which includes the following steps.
-In a first step 210, X-ray radiation is generated at a first focal position.
-In a second step 220, X-ray radiation is generated at the second focal position. The second focal position is located at a distance away from the first focal position in the direction crossing the main radiation direction.
The first step 210 is also referred to as step a) and the second step 220 is referred to as step b). The generated X-ray radiation can be used for imaging of an object, for example a patient. As indicated by the first arrow 212 for the first focal position in the first step 210 and as indicated by the second arrow 222 for the second focal position in the second step 220. The first pair of shutters defines a first diaphragm for the first X-ray beam generated at the first focal position, and at least the second pair of shutters is the second X-ray beam generated at the second focal position. The second aperture is defined. A first aperture is provided in step a) and a second aperture is provided in step b). The first pair of shutters is aligned to coincide with a first line of sight between the first focal position and the center of the detector, and the second pair of shutters is aligned with the second focal position and the center of the detector. Are aligned to match the second line of sight between The first and 21st stops partially overlap.

  The dotted frame 230 shows the detection of X-ray radiation. Further image data processing may be provided, but not shown in more detail.

  In one embodiment, although not further shown, a method is provided. In that method, the first and second focal positions are provided as two stationary positions that are alternately switched every frame for x-ray imaging. The first and second inner shutter elements remain fixed during X-ray imaging. The first and second pairs of shutters each include a first outer shutter element. This is to limit the outer diaphragm disposed on the opposite side of the overlapping part of the diaphragm. Here, the outer shutter element includes a solid structure in the X-ray radiation direction. The first and second pairs of shutters include first and second inner shutter elements, respectively. It is intended to limit the inner diaphragm located at least partially overlapping. Here, the first inner shutter element and the second inner shutter element each include a focal grid structure. Furthermore, the grid structure of the first inner shutter element includes a plurality of X-ray paths focused on the second focal position. The grid structure of the second inner shutter element includes a plurality of X-ray paths focused on the first focal position.

  In a further embodiment, the first and second focal positions are provided as movable positions that are switched alternately every frame for x-ray imaging.

  For example, the first and second inner shutter elements remain fixed in a temporary manner. That is, they remain fixed for a given imaging, but can be moved or adjusted before or after imaging.

  In one embodiment, a linear motor can be used to move the shutter to the correct position. For example, piezo elements can also be provided for delicate adjustments or delicate movements.

  It should be noted that the movement is provided in one direction in one embodiment. In another embodiment, more than one direction can be provided to correct movement.

  In accordance with the present invention, one embodiment is provided. There, the shutter or wedge also remains fixed relative to the moving focus in the image.

  In one embodiment, a method is provided. There, the first and second focal positions are provided as alternative focal positions that are movable during X-ray image acquisition. The outer shutter elements of the first and second pairs of shutters limit the outer aperture disposed opposite the aperture overlap portion. The inner shutter elements of the first and second pairs of shutters limit the inner aperture. Here, the inner shutter element is at least partially disposed in the overlap portion. The outer shutter element remains fixed for X-ray imaging, and the inner shutter element is aligned to coincide with the first line of sight between the first focus position and the center of the detector. And aligned so as to coincide with the line of sight between the second focal position and the center of the detector.

  In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer program or computer program element is provided. It is characterized by being adapted to perform a method step or method according to one of the above embodiments on a suitable system.

  The computer program element is therefore stored in the computer unit, which may also be part of one embodiment of the present invention. This computing unit may be adapted to perform or trigger the implementation of the above steps. Furthermore, it may be adapted to operate the components of the device. The computing unit may be adapted to automatically operate and / or execute the user's order. The computer program may be loaded into the working memory of the data processor. The data processor can thus be equipped to carry out the method of the invention.

  This exemplary implementation of the present invention covers both computer programs that use the present invention from the beginning and computer programs that convert existing programs into programs that use the present invention through updates.

  Furthermore, the computer program element may be able to provide all the steps necessary to perform the procedure according to an exemplary embodiment of the method, as described above.

  In accordance with a further exemplary implementation of the present invention, a computer readable medium, such as a CD-ROM, is provided. The computer readable medium stores the computer program described by the above section.

  The computer program can be stored and / or distributed on a suitable medium. An optical recording medium or a semiconductor medium supplied together with other hardware or a part thereof. However, it may be delivered in other formats, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems.

  However, the computer program may also be provided over a network such as the World Wide Web and downloaded from such network into the working memory of the data processor. In accordance with a further exemplary implementation of the present invention, a medium is provided for creating computer program elements that are available for download. The computer program element is configured to perform a method according to one of the previously described embodiments of the present invention.

  It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention have been described with respect to different technical matters. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method type claims, while other embodiments are described with reference to device type claims. However, those skilled in the art, from the above and following descriptions, between features relating to different technical matters, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of technical matter, unless otherwise stated. It will be understood that any combination of these is also considered disclosed with this patent application. However, all the features can be combined to provide a synergy effect that is more than just adding the features.

  While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings or foregoing description, such description and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. is there. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Upon studying the drawings, specification, and appended claims, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention.

  In the claims, the term “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” excludes the plural. It is not a thing. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items stated in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims (9)

An X-ray light source device for medical imaging,
An X-ray light source;
X-ray beam shutter equipment,
The x-ray light source is configured to generate x-ray radiation at a first focal position and a second focal position that are located at a distance from each other at least in a direction transverse to the main radiation direction;
The X-ray beam shutter device includes a first pair of shutters defining a first diaphragm for at least the first X-ray beam generated at the first focal position, and a second X generated at least at the second focal position. Including a second pair of shutters defining a second aperture for the line beam, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture partially overlap;
The first pair of shutters and the second pair of shutters each include an outer shutter element to limit an outer diaphragm disposed on the opposite side of the overlapping portion of the diaphragm, The outer shutter element comprises a solid structure in the radial direction; and
The first pair of shutters and the second pair of shutters are respectively a first inner shutter element and a second inner shutter to limit an inner aperture disposed in at least partially overlapping portions. Including elements,
The inner shutter elements each include a focal grid structure, the grid structure of the first inner shutter element includes a plurality of first X-ray paths focused on the second focal position, and the second inner shutter element The grid structure includes a plurality of second X-ray paths focused on the first focal position,
X-ray light source device. The first inner shutter element is at least partially disposed in the X-ray beam at the second focal position, and the first inner shutter element is X-ray transparent to radiation from the second focal position. And
The second inner shutter element is at least partially disposed in the X-ray beam at the first focal position, and the second inner shutter element is X-ray transparent to radiation from the first focal position. There is,
The X-ray light source device according to claim 1. The first inner shutter element is movable on a first circular track about the second focal position; and
The second inner shutter element is movable on a second circular track about the first focal position;
The X-ray light source device according to claim 1 or 2. The inner shutter element and the outer shutter element are provided with a cross-section of a ring segment centered at one of the focal positions;
i) the first outer shutter element and the second inner shutter element are provided concentrically with respect to the first focal position; and
ii) the first inner shutter element and the second outer shutter element are provided concentrically with respect to the second focal position;
The X-ray light source apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3. The first focal position and the second focal position are provided as two stationary positions that are alternately switched every frame for X-ray imaging;
The first inner shutter element and the second inner shutter element remain temporarily fixed during X-ray imaging;
The X-ray light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The first focal position and the second focal position are provided as movable positions;
The first inner shutter element and the second inner shutter element are adjustable to compensate for changes in focus position;
The X-ray light source apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5. X-ray light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
An X-ray detector;
An object receiving device, and
The object receiving device can be positioned between the X-ray light source device and the X-ray detector.
Medical X-ray imaging system. The first pair of shutters of the power supply device is configured to align with a first line of sight between the first focal position and the center of the X-ray detector; and
The second pair of shutters of the power supply device is configured to align with a second line of sight between the second focal position and the center of the X-ray detector;
The medical X-ray imaging system according to claim 7. The first inner shutter element and the second inner shutter element are aligned in a combined manner;
The medical X-ray imaging system according to claim 8.

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